Cowork Niagara: The home of Niagara’s independent workforce

As a founding board member of Cowork Niagara (our region’s first and only co-operative coworking space), I work with some awesomely talented people. We’re a diverse community of freelancers, independents and social entrepreneurs on a mission to improve the quality of life for Niagara’s independent workforce.

This place and its people hold a big place in my heart.

I joined the group in 2013, when a bunch of us were meeting at downtown St. Catharines coffee shop Mahtay Café. We shared our freelancing stories, talked about our challenges and celebrated our successes (my continued success is directly influenced by other members and a broader network who offer mentorship, guidance, advice and sometimes even work). Beyond that, we engage in advocacy efforts, raise awareness of the co-operative movement in Niagara and are partnering with other community groups to create a vision for a social entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We’ve learned that we’re stronger when we work independently, together.

Today, we’re a thriving community of 200+ people who are passionate about their work, love their community and actively invest in one another’s success. Freelancing can sometimes feel like a lonely endeavour if you don’t know there are other independents out there just like you. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned (and carry with me) is that being independent doesn’t mean you’re alone. As an active member who’s in the space regularly, I’m more productive, less isolated and earn more than I would if I worked from home or a traditional office space.

Join our community and you’ll find an environment where you can connect with other entrepreneurs, share your ideas and benefit from our collective knowledge.